Monday, March 29, 2010

Chocolate Coach's Oats Muffins

I think you're all aware by now that I love anything chocolate, and anytime I can add chocolate to a recipe that is relatively healthy, I'm all over it. These muffins get a double punch of chocolate by using Dutch processed cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Are they calling your name yet?

I am smitten with Dutch processed cocoa because I just love the extra dark richness it gives to the finished product without the added bitterness that regular cocoa sometimes does. Whichever one is your favorite, it's important to know that the leavening agent (baking powder/baking soda) changes depending on which type of cocoa you use. If you want to try this recipe with regular cocoa, just skip the baking powder and use a full teaspoon of baking soda instead. My one and only gripe about Dutch processed cocoa is that I've never been able to find it in any grocery store. I order mine online from King Arthur Flour. And if any of my kids are reading this post, your mama's run out of King Arthur gift cards and Mother's Day is right around the corner.... just in case you're at a loss for what to give your darling mother on her special day. (Sometimes you have to drop the hints hard, you all know what I mean?)

And since I seem to be on a roll regarding product promotion, if you're looking for some really tasty and unique oats that offer the benefits of steel cut oats, please check out Coach's Oats or visit Lizzy at her Coach's Oats blog for more delicious recipes. Hubby and I adore this product and can't wait for it to become available in our area.

In the bowl of your stand mixer stir together the boiling water, oats, cocoa and butter. Let sit for 20 minutes.

Add the sugars and mix on low speed until combined well. Add the eggs and vanilla and combine well.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to the batter and mix on low speed just until combined well. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Fill cupcake liners a little over 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes in pan before removing muffins to a cooling rack.

About Me

This is my documentation of my life after turning 50. Lots of recipes, some healthy, some not so much... tossed up with a hefty dose of sarcasm and motherly love.
My email address: maggielauerrdh(at)yahoo.com